Max Allegri tried to bring Juventus, Dusan Vlahovic and Denis Zakaria back down to earth after a dream debut. ‘There are things he needs to improve.’
The coach was certainly proved correct in throwing his two January signings straight into the starting XI for their debuts, as both Vlahovic and Zakaria were on target in the 2-0 victory over Verona.
With Atalanta losing 2-1 at home to Cagliari earlier today, the result also sees Juve fly into the top four for the first time this season.
“They did well and were lucky. It was a tough game, as Verona run hard, we took the right approach and the forwards worked hard, while we created chances, showed quality and are happy with the performance,” Allegri told DAZN.
Serie A | Juventus 2-0 Verona: Dream Vlahovic and Zakaria debuts
“Having said that, it’s important we stay focused, keep our feet on the ground, because there’s a long road ahead of us. Verona made it really difficult with their challenges and duels, but we had such enthusiasm, it would’ve been a pity not to mark it with a victory.”
Dybala and Morata worked harder than we’ve ever seen them in order to maintain that trident attack with Vlahovic.
“I told them I’d gladly play all of them together, but they need to put the effort in. They did really well, both attacking and defending.
“Paulo played really well, sacrificed himself and gave Vlahovic an excellent assist, Alvaro did the same with Zakaria.
“Now we’ve got the Coppa Italia, we want to get into the semi-final and then we have Atalanta next week.”
When Allegri was asked for his opinion on the Vlahovic debut performance, the coach brought him right back down to earth with some pointed criticism rather than blanket praise.
“Vlahovic had a couple of poor initial first touches at the start, which he needs to improve so it’ll be cleaner in his movement. He loves being in the battle, but he’s only 22, he doesn’t have that much experience.
“He needs to improve the way he shakes off defenders, including on his right foot.”
Zakaria has been compared to Blaise Matuidi, so how does the coach view that link?
“Matuidi was more aggressive than Zakaria, he’d get there with these long legs. Zakaria is a smart guy, he dived straight in there and did well.”
With Juve flying into fourth, are they still targeting only a Champions League spot or are they back in the title race?
“The Scudetto is between Inter, Milan and Napoli, we are out of it right now. As for the Champions League, it’s still wide open.
“We have to take it one step at a time, Atalanta have a game in hand and we go head-to-head on Sunday. The Scudetto is between those three up there. Unfortunately, we are missing those four points that would’ve allowed us to challenge for the title, but we didn’t get those points, so we just have to accept it.”
What a start for Dusan Vlahovic at Juventus! 🔥
He lifts a brilliant finish over the onrushing goalkeeper to open his account for his new club on his debut! ⚽ pic.twitter.com/fomnswUWj3
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 6, 2022